2025 Cohort Trip Highlights Intersections of Leadership, Innovation, and People-to-People Connections

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy 2020, 2023, and 2024 cohorts recently concluded a transformative trip to New York City from March 8-12, 2025. Designed to expand the Scholars’ global perspectives, leadership skills, and sense of community, the trip offered invaluable experiences through visits to iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, and the world’s financial epicenter.

Research in a Flash: Celebrating Innovation at PhD-in-3D

Eleven distinguished senior McDonnell Scholars competed for top honors and recognition at the annual McDonnell Academy PhD-in-3D competition held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. These Scholars faced the challenge of distilling their research into a compelling three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience, igniting fierce competition and spirited discussions among the panel of judges. The judges […]

Empowering the Next Generation: McDonnell Scholar Robert Kasumba Leads Scholarship Program in Uganda

By: Robert Kasumba Robert Kasumba, a 3rd-year McDonnell Scholar, is making a meaningful impact as a board member of the Harambee Center, a nonprofit fostering cultural exchange between East Africa and North America. Drawing inspiration from his experience in the McDonnell Academy, Robert is championing a transformative scholarship initiative to support underprivileged but talented students […]

Fostering Connections Through the McDonnell Scholar Network: A Collaborative Opportunity

By: Mustafa Rfat As a McDonnell Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a diverse and supportive academic network. This network not only provides an opportunity to collaborate with fellow scholars but also allows for meaningful connections beyond our immediate circles. A recent example of this occurred when […]

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy welcomes its 19th cohort of Scholars

The McDonnell Academy is thrilled to announce the arrival of its 19th cohort of Scholars – 22 remarkable individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and talents to enrich our community.  As we embark on the 2024-25 academic year, the Academy community grows to include 95 Scholars, each contributing to the dynamic fabric of our community. […]

Congratulations to our McDonnell Academy graduates

Welcome to Recognition Ceremony 2024. The McDonnell Scholars Academy at Washington University will host its annual recognition ceremony. Tuesday, May 14, 2024Charles F. Knight Center Danforth Campus Our graduating students, Scholars for Life, will give brief remarks during the ceremony and will be individually recognized as they receive their certificates. Registration is closed. Meet the […]

McDonnell MBA Scholars Represent WashU at McGill Int’l Portfolio Challenge in Montreal

By: Jorge Concha and Felipe Quaassdorff, McDonnell Scholars During the first weekend of November, McGill University, a prestigious university from Montreal, Canada, hosted its new version of the McGill International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC), in which each year there is a unique case to solve the most important challenges pension funds are facing. Universities worldwide send […]

Embracing Cultural Awareness in Global Health Research

October 7, 2023 | Allison Martinez, McDonnell Scholar A small change can make a big difference. Mikhuna, a pilot clinical study in Ecuador, showed us the striking impact that a change in nutrition has on enhancing fetal growth and development. This is the result of the collaborative work of Lora Iannotti, professor at the Brown School […]

Inspired by materials, shapes, and humans: Digital transformation in our future

October 7, 2023 | Hsin-Yi Cindy Chou, McDonnell Scholar Can you imagine a computer made of only plastic pieces? Did you know a mug can actually be a donut? Have you ever tried to predict what would people do next by their actions? In the final session of Global Research Symposium: Forces Reshaping The World held on Oct. […]

Promoting Age Inclusivity

October 7, 2023 | Jorge Concha Tagle, McDonnell Scholar The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Institute for Public Health and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy hosted an engaging workshop aimed at advancing understanding and promoting age inclusivity. The Center, housed at Washington University in St. Louis, is at the forefront of addressing the […]